Jakarta condemns Iraq deadline
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Indonesia has seen several large anti-war protests in recent weeks.
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JAKARTA, Indonesia (Reuters) -- Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, criticized the United States on Tuesday for its ultimatum to Iraq and said diplomatic efforts should continue.
"We cannot accept the notion that diplomacy has run its course and we believe at this very important time what is needed is to enhance diplomatic efforts," Foreign Ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa told Reuters.
"But whatever course of action is taken over the next 48 hours, it will not have the support of the Indonesian government. The Indonesian government feels it is not for a single United Nations member to issue an ultimatum."
In a speech to the American people, U.S. President George W. Bush said Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his sons had 48 hours to go into exile or face an attack.
Indonesian politicians and religious leaders have said they fear a backlash and possible violence in the world's fourth most populous country if a U.S. attack on Iraq goes ahead.
Although most Indonesian Muslims are moderates, opposition to a war in Iraq is widespread and the Indonesian government, otherwise a close ally of Washington, has repeatedly said it would not support an attack.
When asked whether a war on Iraq would affect bilateral relations with neighboring Australia or the United States, Natalegawa said: "we clearly have a different approach to (Iraq than) the U.S. and Australia. But we still believe that if managed prudently, there will be no cost to bilateral relations."
Australia on Tuesday committed troops to a U.S.-led war on Iraq. Around 2,000 Australian troops are in the Middle East.
Natalegawa said Indonesia's embassy in Iraq had temporarily closed and all of its 10 diplomatic staff had been evacuated by Monday.
He said the only Indonesians remaining in Iraq were two students, who did not wish to leave.
Around 35,000 Indonesians live in neighboring Kuwait and Natalegawa said preparations were being made to ensure their safety.
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